UFCThe Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a U.S.-based mixed martial arts organization, recognized as the largest MMA promotion in the world. The UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada and is owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC. This promotion is responsible for solidifying the sport's postion in the history-books.
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The last time T.J. Grant fought in the UFC, he defeated Gray Maynard by TKO in the first round. The victory was Grant's fifth consecutive win after dropping to Lightweight in October 2011. The TKO won Knockout of the Night honors for Grant and punched his ticket for a shot at the UFC lightweight title.

Instead of fighting for that title, Grant sits on the sidelines, watching his chance of getting that title shot get slimmer and slimmer.

Grant suffered a concussion while training for a fight against then champion Benson Henderson. The injury forced Grant to withdraw from the bout, which was scheduled to headline UFC 164. Anthony Pettis took Grant's place on that card, and defeated Henderson, capturing the title with a first round armbar submission.

Pettis' first title defense was expected to be against Grant, but the lingering effects of Grant's concussion saw the UFC booking Josh Thomson against Pettis instead. That fight is set to take place at UFC on Fox 9 in December.

The promotion doesn't know when Grant will return to the Octagon, and after Saturday's UFC 166 card, UFC president Dana White said that when Grant does come back he might not be fighting for the title:

T.J. Grant's in one of those unfortunate situations where he's had a title shot, and he had to pull out twice, so he might have to come back and fight another fight, we have to keep this thing rolling. It's (Melendez's win) a huge step back for T.J. Grant

One of the main reasons behind White's comments was the bout between Gilbert Melendez and Diego Sanchez that took place on Saturday. The three round battle will be under strong consideration for 2013's Fight of the Year, and it solidified Melendez's ranking as one of the top fighters in the division.

If Thomson upsets Pettis in December, expect the UFC to book Thomson versus Melendez. The two fought three times in Strikeforce, with Melendez winning two of those three. If Pettis scores the win over Thomson, don't be surprised to see the UFC book Pettis versus Melendez.

As for Grant, all he can do is take the time to he needs to get healthy, and remember what White said in September when discussing the situation, "We're (UFC) not going anywhere. The belt's going to be there."

That's BS.

I understand that Melendez looked phenomenal, but Grant was given the shot, he looked dominating and impressive on his way to the title shot. And finishing too.

__________________"I fear no man, but Jim Harrison and Mike Stone are the two last men that I would wish to meet in an alley fight. Jim Harrison's fighting style is not flamboyant or spectacular, it's just simple and deadly!" - Bruce Lee sakurabushidokan.homestead.com

They gotta keep moving. Put it this way if they relied on Grant like Elite did with Ken Shamrock vs Kimo or the LHW title holder vs Hendo then they'd be screwed. Once ok...twice shame on you. Fighter earns the fight of his life and gets a concussion then pulls out again...cmon man. Train smarter this is your shot. Sure freak accidents do occur, but think about how many fighters are injured...keep ur mouth shut and take the title shot cuz this is an example as well as with Rashad. Rashad could have been champion vs Shogun no doubt about it ALTHOUGH I REALLY wanted to see Shogun KO him. Look at HOW DRASTIC THE LHW landscape is now. That single incident changed the entire LHW story, completely triggered an avalanche of positive n negative events; Rashad divorcing, changing camps, starting up Blackzillians, new LHW title holder becoming a "bonafide" super star.

TJ had his shot.

__________________
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Maximus: For the glory of the Empire, sire.

Why does this put him in line for a title shot? IMO Diego is barely a top 10 fighter, he has very very limited skills other than insane heart. Beating him shouldn't put you top of the chain, even if it's an exciting fight.